Fruit Vendor in Malad Caught Allegedly Applying Rat Poison on Fruits, Video Sparks Outrage

Viral video exposes alleged use of rat poison on fruits in Malad, sparking food safety concerns.

Mumbai: A shocking video from the Malad area of Mumbai has gone viral on social media, showing a fruit vendor allegedly applying Ratol cream — a rat poison — on fruits kept for sale. The clip, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), has raised serious concerns about food safety.

In the video, the vendor is seen rubbing a substance believed to be Ratol on bananas while people standing nearby question him. Some voices in the background can be heard saying, “Look at this” and “Kids eat this,” expressing shock and anger over the act.

When confronted, the vendor reportedly claimed that the bananas were already rotten. However, the person recording the video later showed other fruits on the cart, including a pomegranate, which bystanders alleged had also been treated with the same substance. The man filming the incident said he had almost bought the fruits before noticing the suspicious activity.

Ratol is a commonly used rodenticide meant to kill rats and mice. It contains toxic chemicals that can be harmful or even fatal if consumed by humans. In the past, there have been cases where some vendors used illegal chemicals to protect fruits from pests or to speed up the ripening process.

Fruit seller in Malad caught applying Ratol cream on fruits. Ratol is poisonous and can cause vomiting, stomach pain and liver damagepic.twitter.com/VnY5NdMjux

— 𝕲𝖆𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖍 * (@ggganeshh) February 25, 2026

Earlier, calcium carbide was illegally used to ripen fruits like mangoes quickly. This chemical releases acetylene gas, which acts like a natural ripening agent but poses serious health risks. Such practices are banned in India due to their harmful effects.

Doctors warn that eating fruits contaminated with toxic substances can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and cramps. In serious cases, it may lead to internal bleeding, liver damage and other health complications. Children are at greater risk because of their lower body weight and developing organs. In some cases, symptoms may appear later, making it difficult to identify the cause immediately.

The viral video has once again highlighted concerns about food safety checks and monitoring of street vendors. Authorities have not yet released an official statement on the matter.

Consumers are advised to wash fruits thoroughly before eating and stay cautious while buying perishable items from roadside stalls.